come under threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"come under threat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which something is threatened or at risk of harm. For example, "The endangered species of bird came under threat due to the destruction of its natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dingley's previous certainties come under threat.

The Guardian - Books

Fundamental human characteristics like private mental life and individual agency could also come under threat.

Columbia University

More recently, support for expert amateurs to reach out to students has come under threat.

The New York Times

Since then, beautiful Inle Lake has come under threat from rapid tourist development and pollution.

Independent

But there is a fear that other, more valuable achievements may also come under threat.

The Economist

Either way, the Communist Party's grip on power could then come under threat.

The Economist

The euro zone's chieftains promised "determined and co-ordinated action" should the euro come under threat.

The Economist

It is a day when his lead in the general classification could come under threat.

Independent

There is concern that ecosystem services provided by blanket peatlands have come under threat due to increasing degradation.

Journal of Environmental Management

That pregnant, mental pause of reading has come under threat like never before.

The Guardian - Books

"There's no point sending your loved ones here to stay if they come under threat".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come under threat", clearly identify what is being threatened and the source of the threat for clarity. For instance, instead of just stating "The project came under threat", specify "The project came under threat due to budget cuts".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions when using "come under threat". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Opt for active voice where possible to emphasize agency and create a more direct and engaging narrative. For example, instead of "The policy came under threat from lobbyists", consider "Lobbyists threatened the policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come under threat" functions as a phrasal verb indicating that something is experiencing a state of risk or danger. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe a situation where an entity or concept is being subjected to potentially harmful forces or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come under threat" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is at risk or in danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. With numerous examples across various sources, Ludwig shows that the phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When writing, clarity is key: specifying the entity and source of the threat strengthens your message. While passive voice is acceptable, consider active voice for a more impactful statement. Alternatives like "be endangered" or "be at risk" offer similar meanings. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be endangered

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more direct statement about being in danger.

be at risk

Focuses on the potential negative consequences without specifying the source of the threat.

be jeopardized

Emphasizes the potential for failure or loss.

be imperiled

A more formal and literary way of saying 'be endangered'.

face a threat

Shifts the focus to the act of facing the threat rather than the state of being threatened.

be vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or attack.

be exposed to danger

Expands on the concept of risk by explicitly mentioning danger.

be in peril

Similar to 'be imperiled', but slightly less formal.

be compromised

Suggests that something has been weakened or damaged, making it more susceptible to threat.

be undermined

Focuses on the gradual weakening or destabilization of something.

FAQs

How can I use "come under threat" in a sentence?

You can use "come under threat" to describe situations where something is at risk or being endangered. For example, "The historical building "came under threat" due to new development plans".

What are some synonyms for "come under threat"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be endangered", "be at risk", or "be jeopardized", which all convey a similar meaning of being in a vulnerable or dangerous situation.

Is it better to say "come under threat" or "is threatened"?

Both "come under threat" and "is threatened" are grammatically correct, but "come under threat" often implies a process or ongoing situation where the threat is developing or intensifying. "Is threatened" is a more general statement of being at risk. For example: "The species is threatened" vs "The species "came under threat" due to habitat loss".

What does it mean when something "comes under threat"?

When something "comes under threat", it means it is facing a risk of being harmed, damaged, or destroyed. It suggests an external force or circumstance is endangering the thing being discussed. For example, a project might "come under threat" from budget cuts.